5.31 Family Experience Resources

Fired Up - Week 1

Fire up the ovens! We're headed to the kitchen to bake up something special. Kitchens are incredible places where the most basic ingredients are transformed into delicious treats. Our faith can be a lot like that, too. In this 5-week series, kids will follow the life of the prophet Elijah, whose ministry involved a lot of fire and bread as he formed a special relationship with God. They'll learn how knowing God helps me find what I need, hears my voice, guides me when I'm scared, comforts me, and is always with me are all the ingredients they need to get fired up!

---

BIG IDEA: God helps me find what I need.

BIBLE: Elijah and The Drought: 1 Kings 17:2–16; Psalm 97:1–6

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Jesus gives us life! Matthew 4:4

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Great are you Lord  and song medley (My God is so Big, This is the Day, & Higher Higher)

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, you'll need index cards, pencils, and colored pencils for each person in your family. Have them write or draw their responses. Since they will make new cards every week, you can punch a hole in the corner and put each week's recipe card on a binder ring.

• The recipe for everything we need starts with God. We learned through the stories of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath that God helps us find what we need. When Elijah was thirsty, God helped him find a brook for water. When he was hungry, ravens gave him food. And when the widow was about to prepare her last meal, God sent Elijah and provided her with more ingredients.

  • Write about or draw someone God has given you to help you find what you need.

  • How can you be the one that helps another person with their needs? 

• God helps me find what I need through the people in my life. Sometimes, I am the person that God sends to help someone else.

Pray: God, thank you for helping us find what we need. We know we can trust you to keep providing for us and looking out for our needs. In you, we can find everything we need. Amen.

Parent Devotion

5.24 Family Experience Resources

What’s Next - Week 4

Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.

---

BIG IDEA: We can share the good news.

BIBLE: Paul in Macedonia: Acts 16:6–15; Matthew 28:18–20

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: I'm  trusting you and Fly

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, you’ll need the printable on cardstock, cut into postcard-sized half-sheets. Give each family member a postcard and have them write a message on the back. 

Sharing the good news can be as simple as letting someone know how much Jesus loves them.

On the lines provided, write the name of someone you want to share the good news with. 

On the left-hand side, write or draw a message to them. 

On the front, decorate your postcard and cut it into a few puzzle pieces. What a fun way to share the good news! 

We shouldn't be shy about the truth of Jesus. When we deliver these postcards, we share the best news ever. Deliver them proudly!

• We can share the good news.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for always showing us what's next in our journey of following you. In addition to praying for others and loving them the way you do, help us to share the good news with them boldly. Give us the words to say and the opportunities to say them. Amen.

Parent Devotion

5.17 Family Experience Resources

What’s Next - Week 3

Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.

---

BIG IDEA: We can love like Jesus does.

BIBLE: Peter Meets with Cornelius: Acts 10:1–8; 11:1–18; John 13:34–35

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: I'm  trusting you and Fly

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, you'll need paper plates, cotton swabs, card stock, and washable paint in red, yellow, blue, and white. Give each family member a plate with a dab of each color of paint, like a palette, along with a cotton swab. Have them mix the colors together however they would like, then write or draw their responses on a piece of card stock. If you don't want to use paint, use crayons in different colors instead.

We might be used to sticking with our usual groups and staying away from others. This means we end up excluding people on purpose for no other reason than that they're just not like us.

Peter learned in today's Bible story—and we've also learned—that we should be looking for ways to extend God’s love to more than the people closest to us. Instead of sticking to our own little bubbles, we can "mix it up" and welcome others into God's family.

Speaking of which, let's mix up our paint colors and create something new. 

Then, write or draw one way you are going to love someone like Jesus does this week.  Finally, draw a heart around this with the new colors you made. 

We can do something new when we reach out and love others the way Jesus does. We can love like Jesus does.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for always guiding us and showing us the best way. We know that you created everyone differently on purpose and love us all the same. Help us to love others like Jesus does, the way you never stop loving us! Amen.

Parent Devotion

5.10 Family Experience Resources

What’s Next - Week 2

Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.

---

BIG IDEA: We can pray for others.

BIBLE: Peter Prays for Tabitha: Acts 9:36–43; James 5:13–16

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: I'm  trusting you and Fly

DISCIPLE: 

INSTRUCTIONS: For this activity, create a simple path using rope or painter's tape across a room (you can also use sidewalk chalk and do this outside if you desire). Have your kiddo (or kids) take turns starting at the entrance and praying silently until they reach the center (help them pray if they are young).

Say: We can lift up prayers for others at any time, even when we're walking from one place to another. As you go through this maze, think about one person and pray for them until you reach the center. 

Praying can be this simple. We do not have to beg or convince God to do something when we pray. God loves us and wants the best for us. We can be honest about our hopes and wants. That means:

We can ask God to make our sick family members well.

We can ask God to help our friends do well in their new schools.

We can ask God to let there be peace in different parts of the world.

As we pray these things, we can also ask God to help us be okay with whatever the outcome is because God knows more than we do.

We can pray for others and trust that God will take care of them.

Pray: Dear God, thank you for letting us talk to you at any time through prayer because of Jesus. Help us remember to not only pray for ourselves but also for our loved ones, neighbors, and people all around the world. Amen.

Parent Devotion

5.3 Family Experience Resources

What’s Next - Week 1

Puzzles don't come with step-by-step instructions for solving them. That's what makes them so much fun. You have to try to figure out the next best step to take. When Jesus left Earth, his followers had to wonder the same thing — "What's next?" In this 4-week series about the Early Church, kids will see how Jesus' followers solved the puzzle of what to do next and the ways we can follow in their footsteps. As kids discover what to do next, they'll learn they can follow Jesus, pray for others, love like Jesus did, and share the good news.

---

BIG IDEA: We can follow Jesus.

BIBLE: Saul on the Road to Damascus: Acts 9:1–20; 1 Corinthians 15:1–9

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: God directs my steps. Ephesians 5:1-2

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: I'm  trusting you and Fly

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, you'll need index cards and pencils. Have your family write or draw their responses on their index cards, then fold them in half the long way. Place everyone's cards on the floor like obstacles, from one end of the room to the other. Invite your kids to start at one end of the room, walk around each of these cards, and make their way to the other side. 

What is something (or someone) that could get in the way of following Jesus? 

Maybe you have family members who actively don't want you to follow Jesus.

Maybe your close friends don't follow Jesus, so you feel alone.

Maybe you just don't know enough about Jesus, so it's hard to follow him.

Walk around the path you make filled with obstacles together. Whatever might be making it more challenging for you to follow Jesus, know that he will help you find a way. As you walk around these obstacles, Jesus walks beside you and guides you through every step. We can follow Jesus. 

Pray: Jesus, you made it possible for anyone to know, love, and follow you. Help us through anything that stands in the way of us doing that. We want to follow you no matter what's next! Amen.

Parent Devotion

4.26 Family Experience Resources

Full Bloom - Week 4

Spring is the season for new beginnings! Whether you're cleaning out parts of your home or watching the flowers bloom in your garden, it's a time for new life and growth. Like a good gardener, Jesus wanted to help cultivate the seeds of faith in his friends so they could all grow closer to God. In this 4-week series, kids will learn all about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as he sowed the seeds of new life in the world. Kids will discover that God sent Jesus to save us, Jesus understands when we're hurting, makes all things new, and connects us to God.

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus connects us to God.

BIBLE: Jesus Appears to His Disciples: John 20:19–31; John 15:1–13

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."  2 Peter 3:18A (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Light of the World and Medley

DISCIPLE: 

Show your child(children) a large plant leaf or show a picture of a plant leaf where they can see the individual veins of the leaf.

Ask: Do you have a favorite leaf?

Some of us may like the giant palm leaves from palm trees or the crunchy leaves we can step on in the fall. There's so much more to plant leaves than size and color, though!

When we look at plant leaves, we can see they have these tiny little lines that help the plants. These are called veins, and they help transport everything a plant needs to all the different parts of the leaf.

Even though they're small, these veins help connect the plant back to the main stem and then down into the roots of the plant. Nutrients and water can move from the roots all the way to the very tip of each leaf. These veins help leaves bloom and grow strong, keeping them connected to the plant.

Jesus does something similar for us, too! He keeps us connected to God so we can grow strong in our faith. Jesus helps us grow and teaches us what it looks like to follow God.

Jesus connects us to God.

Pray: God, thank you for including us in your family. You sent Jesus to connect us to you so that one day we can join you in your perfect garden. Thank you for doing something larger-than-life for us. Amen.

Parent Devotion

4.19 Family Experience Resources

Full Bloom - Week 3

Spring is the season for new beginnings! Whether you're cleaning out parts of your home or watching the flowers bloom in your garden, it's a time for new life and growth. Like a good gardener, Jesus wanted to help cultivate the seeds of faith in his friends so they could all grow closer to God. In this 4-week series, kids will learn all about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as he sowed the seeds of new life in the world. Kids will discover that God sent Jesus to save us, Jesus understands when we're hurting, makes all things new, and connects us to God.

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus makes all things new.

BIBLE: Jesus is Alive: Luke 24:1–12; Revelation 22:1–5

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."  2 Peter 3:18A (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Light of the World and Medley

DISCIPLE: 

Gather some rocks and permanent markers or paint pens. On one side of the rock, have your family write "old me." On the other side, have them write "new me" and decorate that side with bright colors. 

Jesus makes all things new. He doesn't just change one part of our lives, but he can change all of it! When we hand our lives over to Jesus, he helps us live differently.

Remembering what Jesus has done can be hard, but these stone affirmations can help. Holding them in your hand can remind you that God is growing the new you. You can show kindness to others. You can use your gifts to help others. You can live and love like Jesus did.

God rolled away the stone to show us Jesus makes all things new. Whenever we need a reminder of the good things God is doing, we can roll our stones over to see the "new me" God is growing!

Pray: Jesus, thank you for what you've done for us. You rose from the grave and made a way for everyone to have a relationship with God. Because of you, we can have a new life. You make all things new, including us! Amen.

Parent Devotion

4.12 Family Experience Resources

Full Bloom - Week 2

Spring is the season for new beginnings! Whether you're cleaning out parts of your home or watching the flowers bloom in your garden, it's a time for new life and growth. Like a good gardener, Jesus wanted to help cultivate the seeds of faith in his friends so they could all grow closer to God. In this 4-week series, kids will learn all about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as he sowed the seeds of new life in the world. Kids will discover that God sent Jesus to save us, Jesus understands when we're hurting, makes all things new, and connects us to God.

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus understands when we’re hurting.

BIBLE: Jesus Prays in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36–46; Isaiah 53:1–5

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."  2 Peter 3:18A (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Light of the World and Medley

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, have your kids work together to build a mini bug hotel (like this).  Collect materials around your house like cardboard boxes, spare pieces of thin cardboard, empty paper towel rolls, markers, scissors, pinecones, twigs, and grass. Use glue dots or craft glue to secure items in place. 

• Cut the paper towel rolls in half and glue them inside the box towards the top or bottom. 

• Use the spare pieces of cardboard and glue to make different sections of the hotel around the cardboard tubes.

• Glue the grass, pinecones, and twigs throughout your hotel.

• Add some toy bugs to complete the bug hotel. 

What great homes we made for our bug friends. We can appreciate them in nature, but when they start getting into our homes, it can become a problem.

Whenever something bugs us, we can take it to Jesus, who will house it away from us. We won't need to worry about it again because Jesus gets what we're going through and can handle our hurt.

Ask: What are some things that might be bugging you today or have been recently? 

Jesus knows about all the things that bother us or hurt us. We can pray to God and give our hurts to Jesus because he wants to help us grow. We can trust him because Jesus understands when we're hurting.

Pray: God, thank you for reminding us that Jesus knows what it's like to hurt, to be sad, and to feel alone. When we feel hurt, help us remember we can always turn to you. Jesus understands our hurt and is our best source of comfort. Amen.

Parent Devotion

4.5 Family Experience Resources

Full Bloom - Week 1

Spring is the season for new beginnings! Whether you're cleaning out parts of your home or watching the flowers bloom in your garden, it's a time for new life and growth. Like a good gardener, Jesus wanted to help cultivate the seeds of faith in his friends so they could all grow closer to God. In this 4-week series, kids will learn all about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as he sowed the seeds of new life in the world. Kids will discover that God sent Jesus to save us, Jesus understands when we're hurting, makes all things new, and connects us to God.

---

BIG IDEA: God sent Jesus to save us.

BIBLE: Jesus Anointed at Bethany: John 12:1–8; Genesis 3:1–24

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."  2 Peter 3:18A (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus. 2 Peter 3:18

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Light of the World and Medley

DISCIPLE: 

For this activity, follow this tutorial to help your family make their own paper earthworms. 

One of the really cool things about worms is how they can take the trash we throw away and turn it into healthy, nutritious soil for plants and flowers. From that soil, our garden can bloom and be full of incredible plants and flowers!

Jesus came into the world to do something like that, too. Jesus came to rescue us and help us live full, vibrant lives with God. God sent Jesus to save us.

Pray: God, thank you for sending Jesus to save us. Thank you for rescuing us and giving us a chance to grow again. You love us so much, even when we make mistakes. Help us to become more like Jesus. Amen.

Parent Devotion

3.29 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 5

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

---

BBIG IDEA: We belong in God’s family.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Lost Son: Luke 15:11–32; 2 Corinthians 5:17–19

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip of Nemo and Marlin's reunion from the movie "Finding Nemo." (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Nemo had been upset with his dad, so in an act of defiance, he strayed too far from where he should have been. He gets scooped up by a diver and taken to a fish tank in Sydney, Australia. Marlin, Nemo's father, crossed the ocean—with the help of his new friend Dory—and braved all kinds of danger, like sharks and jellyfish, to find his lost son. When he hears his son's voice, Marlin runs, or um ... swims swiftly to be reunited with him. 

• In the parable, Jesus told, the father waited and waited for his son to return. Then one day, when he saw his son from a distance, what did he do? He ran!

• For whatever reason, the younger son was upset with his family and chose to leave them behind. Kind of like how Nemo chose to disobey his dad. But when he was far from home, he realized he wanted to be back with his family.

• The father in the Bible story is like God. Even when some of God's children—us—choose to turn away and disobey at times, God doesn't give up on us. God patiently waits for us to come back to God. Not only that, but God celebrates it when we do!

• We belong in God's family!

Pray: God, thank you for making us part of your family. Because of Jesus, we have family members all over the world forever. We pray that more and more people will come home to you and know that they also belong in your family. Amen.

Parent Devotion

3.22 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 4

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

---

BIG IDEA: God gives us second chances.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Fig Tree: Luke 13:6–9; 2 Peter 3:8–9

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip of outtakes from "Frozen 2: Behind the Scenes." (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Actors and crew sometimes make mistakes as they film movies. I'm sure it can be disappointing to think that you messed up, but sometimes when you compile all those mistakes together and make a blooper reel, they become moments we can look back on and laugh.

• Could you imagine what would happen if because one actor made a mistake on a movie set, they just stopped production and trashed everything? We wouldn't have any movies ever.

• No one always does everything perfectly, including some of the best actors. We all mistakes from time to time, but that doesn't mean we're doomed and we should give up. Our mistakes should teach us what not to do next time. We can ask God to forgive us for our wrongdoings and help us go in the right direction.

• It's a good thing God gives us second chances.

Pray: God, thank you for giving us second chances. You are so patient with us. We want to grow fruit and become more loving, kind, and helpful to others. Help us grow to be the kind of people you want us to be. Amen.
 

Parent Devotion

3.15 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 3

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

---

BIG IDEA: God sends us helpers.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25–37; Psalm 27:1–5

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• In a lot of movies, the real heroes turn out to be the ones you would never expect. Think about some of the movies you've seen.

  • Spider-Man was a regular teenager who ended up becoming the friendly neighborhood hero.

  • Mulan was a loving daughter who did not belong in battle but went anyway to save her father and bring her family honor.

  • Mirabel was the most ordinary one in her family, and she had no special gift, but she saved the whole casita!

• Jesus' parable shows us that anyone can help and be a neighbor to someone in need. God sends us helpers!

Pray: God, thank you for sending helpers when we are in need. You always watch over us and help us. We pray that you will also send us to help others when they are in need. Amen.

 Parent Devotion

3.8 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 2

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

---

BIG IDEA: We can give back to God.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Bags of Gold: Matthew 25:14–29; Deuteronomy 26:1–11

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show a video showing the differences between movie scenes with and without special effects like this video. (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• Movie producers want to make good movies that they hope many people will watch. And movies aren't cheap. Most of them cost millions and millions to produce.

• Some of the most expensive parts of a movie to produce are special effects. Let's say a producer needed a shot of something that doesn't really exist or would be too difficult to recreate. They would hire a special effects company to create these shots, and there is a lot involved. 

• When special effects shots are done well, you can't tell they aren't real, right? The special effects company spent the producer's money well, hired a good crew, and delivered some great shots. They did a good job with the money they were given and the skills they had.

• Now imagine if a special effects company was hired to create a shot, and they just put the money away without doing any work with it.

  • How would the producer feel about that? 

  • How would that affect the movie? 

• In a similar way, the parable Jesus told about the bags of gold showed that God gives everyone different gifts and responsibilities ... not so we can just sit on them, but so we can put them toward doing things that please God. We can give back to God! 

Pray: God, thank you for everything you have given us. Show us ways we can give back to you, and let us watch you multiply them. We know everything we have comes from you! Amen.
 

Parent Devotion

3.1 Family Experience Resources

Big Picture - Week 1

Every great movie tells a great story. When we see those stories played out on the big screen, we can learn a little more about ourselves and the world around us. Jesus knew how powerful stories could be, and he made them a big part of how he taught his followers. In this 5-week series, kids will hear some of the stories Jesus shared that can help them see the big picture of a life spent following God. Kids will see that God helps us know what's true, the ways we can give back to God, how God sends us helpers, that God gives us second chances, and how we belong in God's family.

---

BIG IDEA: God helps us know what’s true.

BIBLE: The Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1–23; Luke 9:28–36

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:  "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: Pray to God and He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Open the Eyes of my Heart and Build My Life

DISCIPLE: 

• Show this clip (from 0:00–1:32) from the movie "The Good Dinosaur" to show how they cared for their farmland. (We always suggest viewing the clip beforehand to make sure you think it’s a video that will be a good fit for your context! For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!)

• I love using our imaginations, but sometimes watching a movie helps us visualize something much more clearly.

• What did the "farmer" in this movie do to take care of his crops? He planted it in soil and made sure each seed had room to grow properly and had plenty of sunlight and water.

• Many things go into making sure seeds grow into fruitful crops. In the parable, Jesus said that all the seeds had the same conditions and even the same farmer, except for one major difference—they were on different soils. The soils in the parable represent our hearts and attitudes toward God's words.

• If we follow God's instructions, listen to God's words, and apply what Jesus teaches us to everything we do, our faith will grow strong and big! Just like a seed planted in good soil will grow into a large crop.

• Listen to God. God helps us know what's true! 

Pray: Jesus, thank you for always helping us know what's true. Help us understand God's words so that we can know God more. When we are confused and unsure of things, we know we can always find the truth in you. Amen.

Parent Devotion

2.22 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 4

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus can do anything.

BIBLE: Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand: Matthew 15:29–39; Psalm 37:1–11

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell Matthew 15:29-39

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus can do anything. But we often forget this truth because the miracles Jesus gives us nowadays might not look exactly like these jaw-dropping miracles we read about in the Bible.

Sometimes we don't recognize a miracle when it happens in our lives. We might explain it away as a coincidence or just happenstance. Sometimes we don't see everyday things as miracles, like having a place to sleep or someone to love and care for us.

Parents, Think of something you now realize could be a miracle in your life.  How do you think God might help you be a part of a miracle for someone else? Share it with your family.

Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for all the miracles you've shown us in the Bible and every day! Help us to see and recognize these miracles today. Help us to trust you with everything because we know you can do anything! Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.15 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 3

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus knows what we need.

BIBLE: The Healing at the Pool: John 5:1–9a; Jeremiah 17:7–10

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell John 5:1-9a

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus knows what we need. But do we know what we need? Sometimes, we think we do, but it ends up being something we don't really need at all.

Think about the following scenarios. Complete each blank with the word "want" or "need." Why did you choose the way you did?

• My sibling broke my Switch, and now I can't play my video games. I ____ a new Switch. 

• It's 110℉ (or 43℃) outside, and I'm waiting for the school bus in the sun. I ______ some water.

• My stomach is growling, and lunch is 45 minutes away! I ______ a bag of chips.

• It's 10 AM on a Sunday morning. I'm in bed, and everyone in the house is loud and telling me to get up. I ______ to sleep. 

Sometimes, what we want and need can be the same thing. But sometimes, what we want is not what we need. But Jesus always knows the difference and leads us to the things we need to survive and thrive. 

Parents, tell of a time when Jesus helped you, and you didn't even realize you needed help?  How is Jesus giving you what you need right now? 

Pray: Dear God, you are the God of miracles! Thank you for knowing what we need and giving us even more than that. We know we can trust you to take care of all of our needs. Help us to see the needs of others and how we can help them with their needs. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.8 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 2

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus calls us to follow him.

BIBLE: A Miraculous Catch of Fish: Luke 5:1–11; Isaiah 6:1–8

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read or retell Luke 5:1-11

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

Our Big Idea for today is Jesus calls us to follow him. The fisher friends in today's Bible story left everything behind to follow Jesus. James and John even left their father right here in the boat to go with Jesus.

Would you be able to give up everything to follow Jesus? 

This might be the case for some of our families that Jesus calls to share about God in different countries. For most of us, we can follow Jesus right where we are. In any case, Jesus is always with us, so no matter where he calls us, we are never alone when we follow him.

But the Bible story makes one thing clear—we can't follow Jesus if we continue to hold on to the things that make it hard to follow Jesus. For Simon and company, that meant they had to leave their careers and families behind. For us, it might be something else.

Maybe it's ditching not-so-great habits that make it hard to have a relationship with Jesus. Maybe it's changing our attitudes about Jesus so we can learn and grow how he wants us to. Maybe it's stuff that we want to spend more time with than with Jesus.
 

Pray: Jesus, thank you for calling us to follow you. Just like your friends did, we want to be able to let go of anything that keeps us from following you. Help us to keep following all the ways you show us how to love God and love people each day. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

2.1 Family Experience Resources

Miraculous - Week 1

When we visit an aquarium, we find a whole world filled with sea creatures, plants, and more. Some of the discoveries we've made about what lives underwater can seem almost like a miracle. But it's not just under the sea where miracles happen—Jesus used water in some of his most well-known miracles! In this four-week series, kids will learn about some of the incredible miracles Jesus performed to help people grow closer to God. As they do, they'll learn how Jesus does everything out of love, calls us to follow him, knows what we need, and, most of all, that Jesus can do anything!

---

BIG IDEA: Jesus does everything out of love.

BIBLE: Jesus Turns Water into Wine: John 2:1–12; 1 Corinthians 13:1–7

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

Toddler Twist: "Our God can do miracles!" Psalm 77:14

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: OUR GOD and Anything is Possible

DISCIPLE: Read  or retell John 2:1-12

DIVE DEEP: Draw the part of today's Bible story is the most memorable to you? 

The ocean is a source of life to all the fish and creatures in the sea, and love is the source of life Jesus shares with us, God's human creations.

Our Big Idea today is Jesus does everything out of love. Sometimes it's difficult to do something out of love, especially when it's something we don't want to do.

Think of a time when someone asked for your help, but you hesitated (or didn't do it at all) because you didn't feel like it. 

What happened? 

What might you do differently next time? 

How would helping out show them love? 

It's okay not to want to do something ... it happens. Sometimes it's not the right time because you're in the middle of something else important. Sometimes we simply don't feel like it.

But whenever we feel this way, we can pause, take a deep breath, and remember that our actions should be guided by God's love. When we remember that, it's easy to press pause on our game or TV show, put down the toy we're playing with, or tell a friend you'll talk to them later and go help where you're needed. If you're ever unsure about what to do, think about Jesus. Jesus does everything out of love.

Pray: God, thank you for giving us the miracle of Jesus. Help us to remember this week to be there for our friends and family and see when help is needed. When we help others, it reflects the love of Jesus. Help us to do everything out of love. Amen.

PARENT DEVOTION

1.25 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 4

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

---

BIG IDEA: I believe God’s words are true.

BIBLE: Jesus Rejected At Nazareth: Luke 4:14–30; Psalm 19:7–14

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Get a compass or use the one on your smartphone and show your kids how the needle always points true North, no matter which way you turn.

When we are out in the wilderness, we need to know our way around or else we could get lost. One way to keep track of this is to use a compass. The needle of a compass always points true North. This is because the needle responds to the earth's magnetic field. No matter where you turn, the metal needle points toward the magnetic poles in the north and south. One end is painted red to show which way is North. This way, when you are on a hike where there are no signs, you can use a compass to help guide you. Without a compass, you might get lost.

God's words are like a compass. God's words always point to the truth. So when you are trying to make your way through life and you feel a little lost, turn to God's words and let them point you back to "true north." I believe God's words are true.

Pray: God, you are trustworthy and true. Thank you that I can always trust what you say. Help me learn more from the Bible and remember your words whenever I go through a hard time. Also, help me remember that your words are true, even in times when I don't always understand them. Amen.

Parent Devotional

1.18 Family Experience Resources

Camp Believe It - Week 3

People love camping, and for good reason! You can take in nature, practice special skills, or just take time to relax in a new environment. And when it comes to camping, no one loved it as much as John the Baptist. In this 4-week series, our families will hear about John the Baptist's special role in preparing the way for Jesus and his ministry. John's story will help kids to say their camp motto, "I believe God gives me purpose. I believe God can speak to me. I believe God is powerful. I believe God's words are true."

---

BIG IDEA: I believe God is powerful.

BIBLE: Jesus In The Wilderness: Matthew 4:1–11; Psalm 36:5–10

MEMORY VERSE

Elementary:   "We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:69

Toddler Twist: "We believe and know that you are God!" John 6:69

WATCH:

Preschool- teaching video

Elementary- teaching video

SONG: Same Power and This I Believe

DISCIPLE: 

Show an image or a video about poison ivy (like this one). 

Being out in the wilderness can be a fun and beautiful experience, but we still need to be careful.

What are some of the dangers we need to be on the lookout for when we're out in the wilderness? (Wild animals, snakes, insects, slippery terrain, and, of course, poison ivy or poison oak).

Poison ivy and poison oak are common dangers that we might find in the wilderness. We need to avoid touching these plants because they can cause a painful rash. One way to help you avoid poison ivy and poison oak is to remember this: "Leaves of three, leave it be." These poisonous plants have pointed leaves in groups of three.

If you see a plant like this, with leaves of three, what should you do? Leave it be. Just don't touch it.

Speaking of "three," that's how many times the devil tried to tempt Jesus to disobey God. But much like we should do with poison ivy plants, Jesus did leave it be. He said no to the devil's tempting — all three times — because he knew God was more powerful. I believe God is powerful, too. What about you? 

Pray: God, even though you are so powerful, you let us come to you whenever we want. Thank you for loving us and giving us power when we feel like we have none. Help us resist anything that tries to hurt our relationship with you. We believe you—and your words—are powerful. Amen.

Parent Devotional